2020 Britax Skyline Highback Belt-Positioning Booster Review
The Britax Skyline is Britax’s base model dedicated highback booster and it’s based on the more expensive Britax Highpoint model, but with fewer features and a smaller price tag to show for it. A review on the Britax Highpoint can be found here.
Here’s a top-down pic to show the basic differences between the two boosters (Skyline is black, Highpoint is blue).
Britax also has a mid-level booster, called Midpoint that does not have side-impact cushions found on Highpoint but does have unique breathable fabric and the SecureGuard™ Belt-Positioning Clip.
Skyline Weight and Height Limits
Highback: 40-120 lbs.; 44-63”
Backless: 48-120 lbs.; 46-63″
Skyline Overview
- 10-position headrest
- Can be installed with lower LATCH connectors
- Lined with EPP foam
- Two removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders
- IIHS Best Bet Rating
- MSRP $99
Measurements
Belt guide heights: 15 ¾”-23”
Inside shoulder width: 14”
Inside hip width: 11 ½”
Seat depth: 14”
External widest point: 19 ¼”
Seat weight: 12.1 lbs.
For more measurements, see our comparison database.
There are 2 fashions available, Dusk and Teal. Since this is Britax’s more affordable line, you’ll be able to find these boosters at stores like Walmart, and at local Brixy retailers as well.
The only assembly required for the Skyline is adding the optional cup holders, if desired.
Fit to Child
Seat belt fit is very good; lap belt fit is aided by thick armrests that push the lap belt forward onto the thighs. Shoulder belt fit is adjusted by squeezing a handle on the back of the headrest and lifting up or pushing down. The Skyline is one of the tallest on the market, so it will be a good option for kids with tall torsos. Be sure to adjust the headrest so that the shoulder belt guides are above your child’s shoulders and his ears are inside the headrest. The label just above the shoulder belt guide helps you with placement. My model liked the Skyline and found it comfy. S is 5.5 years old, 40 lbs., and 44″ tall.
Fit to Vehicle
Check your vehicle owner’s manual to see if you can install the booster using the lower LATCH connectors. This is an optional feature that keeps the booster in place when the child is not in the seat; otherwise, the child should buckle the booster in when getting out of it so it doesn’t become a projectile in a crash.
Center LATCH installations with Non-Standard Spacing:
Permitted only in designated LATCH positions
Inflatable Seat Belts:
Not allowed
Cover/Maintenance/Ease of Use
Britax suggests hand washing the cover and hanging it to dry. It is fairly easy to remove and has a couple of elastics.
FAA/Lifespan/Crash
Because belt-positioning booster seats require the use of lap/shoulder belts, the Skyline cannot be used on an airplane.
The Skyline has a lifespan of 10 years. Britax follows NHTSA crash guidelines for replacement after a crash.
Advantages
- 10 position headrest
- Can be installed with lower LATCH connectors
- Lined with EPP foam
- Two removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders
- Less expensive than the similar Britax Highpoint
- Narrower by about 1.5″ than the Britax Highpoint because it lacks the side impact cushions at the shoulders
Disadvantages
- Made in China
- Lacks some of the features found on the more expensive Britax dedicated boosters
Skyline scores big as one of the tallest highback boosters on the market. It is less expensive than the Highpoint model, but it also lacks the SecureGuard lap belt clip that helps some kids stay in position better when transitioning from a harnessed seat. Not having the side-impact cushions on the outside of the shoulder area makes Skyline narrower than Highpoint, which is a positive if you’re trying to fit a booster next to another car seat or person. When comparing boosters, Skyline is definitely worthy of your consideration – especially if you’re in the market for a latchable highback booster seat that can accommodate very tall older children.
The Skyline sample used in this review was provided by Britax. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.
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CarseatBlog Experts Rating
Editors’ Pick: Britax Skyline
Hi, would I remove the car headrest to use this seat? I’m looking for something that fits in a minivan captain’s chair, and the angle of the seat headrest is pushing into the headrest of the seat I currently have (britax frontier). I’m thinking about updating to the skyline and I’m not sure if it’s safe to remove the car headrest with either of these seats.
Hi Melissa. If your vehicle manual allows you to remove the vehicle headrest, it’s fine. The Skyline doesn’t require the headrest behind it. If you do remove it, just remember to put it back on (for whiplash protection) if you take the Skyline back off.
The current details on Amazon indicate that the Skyline does convert to a backless booster, although you indicate in the ‘Disadvantages’ section that is does not convert. Can you confirm when you tested that it does convert? Thanks!
Hi Vickie. There is a new version, called the Skyline 2-Stage, that does convert to a backless booster. If that’s an important feature, be sure to choose that model. The older version that is only a highback is still being sold and has an older date of manufacture.
Is there a difference in the padding between the Highpoint and Skyline?
Nope. The only differences are the fashion colors, external side impact cushions, and the SafeGuard clip.
We just received our Skyline and the back doesn’t seem secure. It is loose (ie it can very easily be rocked from side to side) unfortunately britax is closed on weekends. Just wondering if that is normal, also with the installation instructions it mentions push the back until the first click, there is room to push it back but I haven’t been able to push until a click happens. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
Hi Devon. I also replied to your comment on our other blog post. Yes, there is movement so that the booster can conform to your vehicle’s seat back angle. I never got a click either. The nice thing is that it stays together when you carry it so you don’t have to worry about it flopping.